News & Updates

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy Statement on 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

8/28/2013 10:14:39 AM

Today we come together to celebrate the fact that fifty years ago, Americans of every race, creed and religion marched in Washington to forcefully declare that discrimination and racism could not overpower a nation whose foundation was built on equality and freedom.

Today we come together to celebrate the fact that fifty years ago, Americans of every race, creed and religion marched in Washington to forcefully declare that discrimination and racism could not overpower a nation whose foundation was built on equality and freedom. Those who joined the march helped make our country aware of the issues, but in some ways, the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains unfulfilled.

The full name of the march resonates yet today: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In some areas of our cities too many young people face barriers to opportunity. Families are working harder than ever and are still struggling to put food on the table. We must honor Dr. King’s memory by working together in partnership to provide equal opportunity for all.

Albany County has seen its share of triumphs and challenges since that August day in 1963. We’ve taken steps toward ensuring that our children will enjoy a better life than we did, that a sound education is provided and that we work together to keep hope alive. We live in a time of wonder and opportunity and I am confident that if we all work together we can put Dr. King’s words into action…every day.